'Thanks' and 'sorry to bother', pick the right one
By the end you'll know when すみません, ありがとう, and 助かりました each fit.
N5 N5 to N4 · 3 phrases
- 1
ありがとうございます
arigatou gozaimasu
Standard polite thank-you. Safe in any situation.
Use when after someone helps you in any setting
ありがとうございます。
arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you.
- 2
すみません
sumimasen
'Sorry' and 'excuse me' in one. Also softens a thank-you.
Use when getting attention, apologising, or thanking for trouble
すみません、ちょっといいですか。
sumimasen, chotto ii desu ka.
Excuse me, got a sec?
- 3
助かりました
tasukarimashita
'That helped me out', warmer than just ありがとう.
Use when thanking after a real favour or rescue
本当に助かりました。
hontou ni tasukarimashita.
That really helped me out.
Saved phrases collect at practice → saved; quiz them and they enter your review queue.